The legislation made changes to the way that reserve lands are managed. Protesters say the bill also weakened environmental protections for lakes and streams, greatly affecting aboriginal communities.

Demonstrators from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, east of Grande Prairie, Alta., also rallied Wednesday. The group put up two blockades across the highway between the town and the reserve. The blockade of Highway 43 has since been cleared.

RCMP Cpl. Shawn Morgan said police were ready in case the blockades caused long delays.

"Everyone has a right to peaceful, freedom of expression. ... However, we will be in attendance to maintain the peace."